The Visual Dictionary of Photography

Book excerpt: The Visual Dictionary of Photography provides clear definitions of key terms and concepts, backed up by hundreds of illustrative examples. Covering practical terms, it deals with the terminology of both digital and traditional photography. David Präkel has produced an invaluable resource for anyone interested in photography, lens-based media and related visual arts. This book serves not only to explain terms and words but also acts as a source of inspiration, encouraging exploration through understanding.Over 250 terms are explained and contextualised, with concise definitions accompanied by illustrations and examples taken from historical and contemporary photography.The dictionary covers analogue terms still in current usage as well as modern digital terminology such as Raw format and High dynamic range. It also defines a wide variety of practical terms, including ISO speed, Backlighting and Noise, as well as conceptual terms and photographic styles, ranging from Photojournalism to Distortion.